Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

Samsung’s NV24 HD was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. The NV24 HD features an 8.1 megapixel image sensor with an ultra-wide, 24mm Schneider lens and 3.6x optical zoom. The NV24 HD also features Dual Image Stabilization, which combines both Samsung’s improved and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and Digital Image Stabilization (DIS). When selected, OIS and DIS work simultaneously to help curb shake-induced blur in your photos.

The NV24 HD gives shooters the ability to record video in 720p high-definition at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of a movie stabilizer and optical zoom while recording video and with Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files. Additionally, the NV24 HD utilizes H.264 compression, a codec for high definition video that has become an industry standard and iPod compatible. To enjoy the NV24 HD’s high-definition video on an HDTV television, users have to dock the camera into a proprietary Samsung HDMI CEC (Consumer Electronics Control) cradle (sold separately). When the HDMI CEC cradle is connected to a high-definition Samsung digital television, users can navigate the NV24 HD’s menu using their TV’s remote control.

The NV24 HD features face detection autofocus and a special Self Portrait mode. The new Self Portrait mode is a unique functionality that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. By utilizing Face Detection technology, the NV24 HD automatically detects the user’s face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame.

Situated on the back of the NV24 HD’s brushed black, stainless steel body is Samsung’s Smart Touch user interface. Smart Touch enables easy navigation of the camera’s comprehensive feature set by simply sliding a finger across the control buttons positioned around the camera’s 2.5″ LCD screen, which will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation. For reviewing and sharing images with others, the NV24 HD also features an intuitive Multi-Slide Show. With Mutli-Slide Show, end users can playback their images using five different slide transitions and can also have their images set to scroll to the camera’s preloaded music or their own favorite MP3 files.

Samsung NV24 HD Reviews

The serious photographer will appreciate the focal range and will perhaps be attracted to the 24mm wide-angle. As for sharpness, the lens center offers superb sharpness, whereas the edges suffer from blur which needs improvement.

At the point and shoot level there are more reliable alternatives for its price and headline specification. However, the Samsung NV24HD’s more esoteric features – including the funky photo styles, placed right at the fore of its operation – are indeed fun and less run-of-the-mill than many, meaning it feels churlish to bash this model with too large a stick.

Where to Buy

If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices.

That’s right – the A300. The photo gearheads acknowledged the announcement of the Sony A200 with a collective sigh and dove head first into rumors of the Sony A300.

Granted, these rumors have their genesis before the official announcement of the A200 – along with rumors of the A900 (or whatever Sony’s flagship will be called). However, the rumor mill has clearly flourished in light of the underwhelming announcement of the A200.

In case you’re not up to speed, Sony announced the A200 on January 6th at CES in Las Vegas. It’s clearly an entry level DSLR at $700 in a kit with the 18-70mm lens. The price and features of the A200 have spurred the suspicion that Sony has got something bigger planned for PMA.

Several Sony gearheads believe that Sony will slot at least one camera, if not two, between the A200 and the prosumer A700. That’s not just smoking rope and talking smack – there’s a method to the madness. The Sony A200 kit rolls in at $700, while the A700 retail is $1500 in the kit (although the street prices are a little lower). That certainly leaves room for an intermediate model at the popular $1000 price point (think Nikon D80).

Some believe that this image, which has been floating around the internet, is a shot of the foldout screen on the A300. It sure does look familiar. Take a look at the small tabs on the top and bottom of the LCD panel. Now compare those to the notches that you see above and below the A200’s LCD panel (below).

Similarities? Yeah, that and more. Take a close look at the button configuration. The layout appears the same as the A200, meaning it may be the same housing fitted to some upgraded components. Note the button in the top right corner of the purported A300 shot. Many believe that this may be a “Live View” button. Of course, the A300 shot also includes the battery grip.

Speaking of battery grips, the product number for the A200-compatible battery grip is VG-B30AM. Seems rather innocent until you consider that the product number for the A700’s battery grip is VG-B70AM. Why not name it the VG-B20AM if it’s for the A200?

A little deductive reasoning that you got from that college class your sophomore year leads to the assumption that the VG-B30AM is really made for the A300; however, since the A200 and the A300 share the same housing, the VG-B30AM also works on the little brother A200. Sure, that could all be smoke and mirrors. But where’s the fun in that?

Dan Richards over at Pop Photo has added a little more fuel to the fire with his comment in the A200 First Look stating, “And for those who were hoping for yet another slam-bang Sony introduction, we can only say: Keep checking PopPhoto.com.”

Are we onto something here? I dunno. My guess is that Sony has more in store for the photo gearheads at PMA. Stay tuned.

The Casio EXILIM Pro EX-F1 has the world’s fastest burst shooting performance and incorporates a high speed CMOS sensor and a high speed LSI processor. With this model, Casio has achieved an ultra-high speed 60 frames per second (fps) burst rate for still images, together with 1,200 fps high speed movie recording that captures movement faster than the eye can see for ultra-slow motion replay. Moreover, the new model can record movies at full High-Definition.

The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 incorporates a new high speed CMOS sensor and high speed LSI processor. After building in 6.0 million effective pixels and a 12X optical zoom, the developers focused on achieving a burst shooting speed capability that was hitherto unheard of. Using the camera’s ultra-high speed burst shooting for still images or its high speed movie recording mode, users can capture a split second’s movement with greater detail than before, allowing them to catch each decisive moment, and even motion that the human eye cannot ordinarily perceive.

Casio EX-F1 Reviews

Casio’s Exilim EX-F1 is – no doubt – a very innovative camera that offers a true feat of engineering: Capturing up to 60 fullsize frames in the blink of an eye can deliver stunning pictures that would otherwise be impossible to take.

My recommendation therefore is that if you’re a photographic experimenter and have $1000 to burn, the Casio EX-F1 will be a very appealing toy for a few weeks or months. But for the rest of us, in the end it will be found to be neither fish nor fowl. But it’s a fascinating harbinger of what is to come.

It has several unique abilities which some users will find extremely useful, however it also has some problems. Its still image quality, while good, is no match for the best of the current high spec super-zooms, and its alarmingly high price will also discourage potential buyers.

The Casio EX-F1 is the hottest digital camera at CES. The 60 fps Burst mode is enough to make any photographer lust after this camera. And many consumers search for the perfect camera to carry in place of hauling around a digital camera and camcorder. The EX-F1 just might be that camera.

Casio EX-F1 Features

[youtube]T4WDMEUoF9M[/youtube]Full resolution photography using 60 fps ultra-high speed burst mode captures the crucial moment
Using the still image burst mode, users can shoot at an ultra fast 60 frames per second. In burst mode, the frame rate can also be varied from between 1 and 60 frames per second while shooting. Up to 60 shots can be taken at once, so 60 shots per second for one second, or 5 shots per second for 12 seconds, are possible.

Don’t miss that crucial moment, Prerecord Still Images, using ultra-high speed burst function
Users can record images not just at the instant they press the shutter button, but before! Continuously recording at up to 60 images per second, a maximum of 60 images can be saved in the camera’s own buffer memory even before the shutter button is depressed. Even if users press the shutter a little late, they will still be able to catch that vital moment.

Slow Motion View function lets users view and capture that critical moment in slow motion during still photography
Users can take photographs while, in the monitor, the momentary action that is before their eyes is displayed in slow motion. It is just as if they have slowed down the passing of time. Users can unhurriedly observe the motion of the subject as they press the shutter, ensuring that they never miss that crucial moment.

Rapid Flash function allows continuous shooting even in low light
It is possible while using flash to take up to 20 continuous shots at a speed of up to 7 frames per second, so even in low light, no more missed shots. Also, the internal LED light allows high speed burst shooting at between 10 and 60 frames per second.

High speed movie recording at up to 1,200 fps
The EXILIM Pro EX-F1 can record high speed movie footage of motion too fast for the human eye, for ultra slow motion playback. Users can select a recording speed of 300 fps, 600 fps or 1,200 fps. There is also a Movie Button that lets users quickly start movie recording without first switching from still image mode.

Full High-Definition movies
The camera features Full High-Definition movie recording capability. Users can record beautiful movies at a screen size of 1920 x 1080 pixels, at a rate of 60 fields per second. The camera can be connected to an HD compatible television with a separately available HDMI cable to enjoy viewing movies.

The Samsung NV30 was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. The NV30 is an 8.1 megapixel point & shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom Schneider lens and a 2.5″ LCD screen that will automatically brighten or dim depending on the current lighting situation.

The NV30 also offers Dual Image Stabilization, which combines Samsung’s Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) with Digital Image Stabilization (DIS). When selected, the two work simultaneously to curb shake-induced blur in your photos.

The NV30 features face detection autofocus and a special Self Portrait mode. Self Portrait mode is a unique functionality that takes the guessing out of taking a self portrait. By utilizing Face Detection technology, the NV30 automatically detects the user’s face, adjusts focus and exposure, and will only allow a photo to be taken if the subject is centered in the frame.

The NV30 also has the ability to record at VGA resolution (640×480) at a maximum frame rate of 30fps. Shooters can also take advantage of the NV30’s movie stabilizers and 3x optical zoom while recording video and with Samsung’s Successive Recording mode, can pause, and then resume filming without having to save the clips as individual files.

Stay tuned to this page for the latest news and reviews on the Samsung NV30 as they arrive.

Where to Buy

First off, consider going to your local camera store (and I don’t necessarily mean Wolf Camera at the mall). By going to your local camera store, you’re supporting your community and you just might build a lasting relationship with people you can rely on when you need some help or answers. If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

The Samsung S860 was announced at CES on January 6, 2008. The S860 is an entry-level 8.1 megapixel point & shoot camera with a 3x optical zoom (35mm film equivalent: 38~105mm) Samsung SHD lens. The S860 also offers Digital Image Stabilization (DIS), which, when selected, works to curb shake-induced blur in your photos.

The S860 incorporates a Function Description feature. Designed to reduce the intimidation factor of the camera’s various modes, Function Description automatically provides a brief and easy to understand description of each setting when scrolling through the cameras’ menus, helping the end-user determine which setting is appropriate for their current shooting scenario. Additionally, with 11 scene modes to choose from, including Night, Portrait, Children, Landscape, Close-Up, Sunset, Dawn, Backlight, Fireworks, Beach & Snow, and Self Portrait.

The S860 also boasts a special effects “E” button, which gives you instant access to a host of creative controls, including options for resizing and rotating images, adjusting brightness, contrast and saturation levels, fixing red eye, and manipulating color such as saving captured images as B&W, Sepia, Red, Blue, Green, and Negative.

The S860’s Movie mode lets users capture video in one of two resolutions, 320×240 or 640×480, at 30 frames per second in AVI (MJPEG) format. Just as in still-picture mode, the DIS image stabilization system can be engaged to compensate for camera shake and to reduce blur.

Finally, the S860 can be powered by two, readily available AA alkaline batteries.

Stay tuned to this page for the latest news and reviews on the Samsung S860 as they arrive.

Samsung S860 Reviews

For a compact camera within this highly affordable price range, the S860 packs a powerful little punch. High resolution images are created using what Samsung call a ‘true-colour filtered’ 8.1 mega pixel CCD (charge-coupled device), which allows users to print their images any size up to that of a standard poster without loss of quality.

Where to Buy Samsung S860

If you’re buying online, I recommend sticking with Amazon, B&H Photo or Adorama. These three vendors are reliable, trustworthy and generally have the best (legitimate) prices. Additionally, purchasing your camera through these links helps support this site.

Somewhat unexpectedly, Sony has announced the A200 at CES (rather than PMA), the follow up to the aging A100. Opting out of the megapixel race, Sony has kept the A200 at the same 10.2 megapixels that the A100 had. Instead, Sony has introduced more subtle upgrades/updates and made the A200 more of a Sony product – as opposed to a rebadged Konica Minolta. In hindsight, the CES announcement may be more fitting because of Sony’s desire to market this as more of a “consumer” camera than to the budding amateur photographer.

The A200 is available with a 18-70mm kit lens or a two-lens kit with an additional 75-300mm lens. For all the details, see the Press Release below.

Photography Bay Resources

Reviews

Image and color quality are good and there’s a host of inputs available to customize image parameters if the default shots don’t suit your fancy. The shutter is “DSLR quick” and auto focus performance is good in normal to marginal light, and acceptable in dim light.

The Sony Alpha A200 is a compelling entry-level DSLR due to its high image quality and excellent speed of operation. In many ways, this is what new DSLR buyers are looking for. Beginners often want to improve image quality and speed of operation without getting something significantly more complicated then they are used to. The A200 fulfills this role very well as well.

Having a dedicated processor like Sony’s BIONZ certainly helps with noise. It’s not until ISO400 that any kind of alteration starts to appear in the image at full size and all that happens is a slight discolouration of the grey card.

The Sony Alpha 200/DSLR-A200 is a worthy competitor in the entry-level market, offering awesome image quality, robust performance, great ergonomics and loads of useful exposure options. One feature that stands out is the Super SteadyShot option.

If you have no investment in a DSLR system and you’re looking for an entry-level model, the Sony A200 is a real alternative to the likes of the Nikon D60, Canon EOS 450D and Olympus E-510. It may not be the most exciting camera on paper, with no Live View and “only” a 10 megapixel sensor, but in practice it’s an easy-to-use, solid proposition from which you can confidently upgrade in the future to a more feature-rich model.

Overall, the A200’s photo quality was very good, but the difference between RAW and JPEG images is disconcerting. JPEG images are considerably softer than those taken in RAW format, with noticeable noise reduction artifacting starting at ISO 200 in low light, and ISO 800 in good light.

For first time DSLR users, it should make transitioning from a point and shoot camera to a DSLR as painless as possible. The A200 has plenty of manual features to keep a new user busy and to encourage advancement, and plenty of auto features just in case the manual features get tiring from time to time or, there simply isn’t enough time to make adjustments on the fly.

This entry-level D-SLR has a lot of things going for it: quick focusing, fast shutter speed, lots of tweaks for those who want them plus it captures good 10MP stills with accurate colors and nice contrast.

In terms of overall performance the A200 is a definite improvement over the A100. As with most DSLRs the A200 starts up in well under a second, and shuts down again almost instantly on power-off. The AF system is now much faster and more accurate, and is noticeably better at locking on quickly to low-contrast or poorly lit subjects, something that was a bit of a problem for the A100.

Pictures from the test camera were similar to our test shots from the A700, with natural-looking colours and an attractive tonal balance that minimised the need for post-capture processing. Raw files were clean and easily adjustable and the DRO control allowed us to take usable shots in contrasty lighting that would overwhelm a less-capable camera.

The new Alpha camera is Sony’s entry-level model and offers a stack of setting possibilities for a very attractive price. When we look back at the moment the Alpha 100 got introduced, and after that the Alpha 700 with on top of that Sony’s promise to introduce a professional DSLR in 2008, and we look at the A200 now, we can say that Sony are definitely branding their name on the DSLR market.

Well it may not have much beyond its predecessor (and indeed a couple of the A100’s features have gone missing), but for the money it’s still a great entry-level DSLR which stands-up well against the competition. Its predecessor’s old rival, the Canon 400D / XTi is likely to become the A200’s new nemesis, especially with its superior high ISO performance, but with built-in stabilisation at a similar RRP, the Sony still looks strong. It’s also looking good against Nikon’s new entry-level D60.

Images straight out of the camera look good, and the camera isn’t too intimidating for a beginner. Also, metering works really well, making it easy to get images that are sure to astound anyone who just jumped from point-and-shoot digicams to a DSLR.

You get a camera capable of Excellent image quality (with resolution right around 2,000 lines), useful image controls such as DRO, a fine-performing lens, and image stabilization that will work with virtually any lens that fits on the camera.

The DSLR-A200 model features upgrades influenced by the recently-introduced, enthusiast-class DSLR-A700 camera and replaces the former Sony DSLR-A100 model, which was Sony’s first in the DSLR class.

The new model is designed to be faster, lighter and easier to use. Upgraded features include a wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCDTM screen for easy playback viewing; a more compact body and an easily-accessible mode dial; an easy-to-use function menu (camera function display); improved noise control for higher quality images; an auto focus speed 1.7x faster than the previous model; improved predictive control performance; quieter shutter sound; automatic pop-up flash; and a battery life indicator that displays the percentage of battery life remaining so you know exactly when to recharge.

As seen in all α (alpha) camera bodies, the DSLR-A200 camera incorporates Super SteadyShot® image stabilization in the body to allow shooting at shutter speeds of 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible – a benefit realized with every compatible lens attached to the camera. Compatible lenses encompass all Minolta Maxxum® mount lenses, in addition to Sony a (alpha) lens lineup – including Carl Zeiss® lenses.

“With the DSLR-A200, we are helping consumers capture high-quality images with advanced technology that’s practical and easy to use,” said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. “This model is an ideal step-up for point-and-shoot users who are looking for a camera that can capture virtually all of the photographs they want.”

High-Quality Images

With its 10.2-megapixel (effective) APS CCD image sensor, the DSLR-A200 camera continues to offer high-quality images by allowing more light to pass through to each pixel – increasing sensitivity, reducing noise, and providing greater detail.

Clean, reduced-noise signals are sent from the image sensor to Sony’s BIONZ™ processing engine, which processes data-rich picture information at high speeds and reduces picture noise in the RAW data stage before image JPEG conversion. The results are high-resolution, detailed images with rich tonal reproduction.

The DSLR-A200 model supports JPEG and RAW file format support. It has a slot for CompactFlash™ Type I/II media cards. An adaptor for Memory Stick Duo™ media cards is sold separately as an accessory.

Get The Photo Results You Want

In addition to Super SteadyShot image stabilization for virtually blur-free photos, the new model incorporates Sony’s D-Range Optimizer (DRO). It helps you capture well-exposed images, especially when shooting high-contrast or backlit scenes that often lead to loss of highlight and shadow detail. Sony’s DRO modifies the range from highlights to shadows, including gain and contrast, through its in-camera hardware processing to produce more natural, evenly exposed pictures. The camera’s image analysis technology studies the captured image data and instantly determines the best exposure and color tonality for the image before JPEG compression.

The BIONZ image processing engine powers the camera up immediately and the eye-start autofocus starts the focusing system before you even press the shutter. The camera can shoot up to three continuous frames per second at 10.2-megapixels at the finest JPEG compression level.

As seen in previous α (alpha) models, the new model carries a static-free anti-dust coating on the CCD filter which is gently vibrated to dislodge any dust that might have collected each time the camera is powered off.

Additionally, the DSLR-A200 camera’s supplied lithium ion battery offers up to 750 shots per full charge.

Bright and Easy Playback

The camera’s smaller, more compact body along with its wider, 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD TM screen and a new on-screen navigation interface make it easier to carry and to use. The vibrant, easy-to-view screen features 230K-pixel resolution, an anti-reflection coating and glare-reducing layer assures vivid, accurate colors with a wide viewing angle, even in daylight. The on-screen navigation display shows camera settings and key shooting information in large, easy-to-read text. The display’s orientation automatically switches from landscape to portrait position when the camera is turned on its side.

Accessories Expand Creative Possibilities

Sony is providing a full line of accessories for the model, including flashes, rechargeable battery packs and several carrying cases. An interesting addition is the VG-B30AM ergonomic vertical grip equipped with the most essential controls for portrait orientation shooting. It also allows for the use of two InfoLITHIUM® batteries (sold separately) for up to 1,500 shots on a single, full charge.

The DSLR-A200K kit includes the camera body and a DT 18-70mm f3.5-5.6 3.9x zoom lens for about $700. The DSLR-A200W kit includes the camera body, the DT 18-70mm lens and a 75–300mm f4.5-5.6 lens for about $900. Both will ship in February and will be available at sonystyle.com, Sony Style® retail stores (www.sonystyle.com/retail), military base exchanges, and authorized dealers nationwide. Pre-orders begin online on Jan. 7 at www.sonystyle.com/dslr.

Info from Reflex.it indicates that Pentax will hold a press conference in Dubai on January 10th. English translation from Italian (via DPR forum member):

Pentax will hold an international press conference on the 10th of January in Dubai. In all likelyhood, on this occasion it will be possible to confirm the rumours about two new reflex cameras (evolutions of the excellent K10D and K100D with 14MP and 10MP CMOS sensors), and evaluate in which ways the “new” Pentax company intends to move in a market still dominated by Canon and Nikon. Further considerations will shed light on whether the 645D project will ever be restored, how much time it’ll take to integrate and renovate the lens system/offering and, if, as it looks like, the collaboration with Samsung for reflex cameras will go on.

The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM was first made available in the US as the kit lens for the Canon 20D. Prior to that time, a non-USM version was bundled with the Canon Digital Rebel (300D) kit. Both lenses carry the same optical elements and, thus, image quality evaluations are identical. As a result, the reviews set forth below may relate to one or the other. Obviously, the USM version will have faster focusing than the non-USM version. In August 2007, Canon released a stabilized version of this lens, which may begin appearing in DSLR kits soon. [Read more…]

Luminous Landscape has a thorough essay on what Nikon brings to the table with the new D3 and D300:

We now have a bit of a sea change happening. Nikon has flexed its considerable muscle and with the D3 produced a camera that sends a clear challenge to Canon’s nearly decade-long dominance of the digital arena. The D300, though in many ways simply a logical progression from the D200, is a much better camera than its predecessor, and along with its superior sensor offers the pro and advanced amateur a set of features and functionality that is unmatched at the moment in Canon’s line up.

The Canon 1D Mark III has become my new workhorse. It has all but completely replaced the Canon 5D I was previously shooting with, proving to me every time it is worth the extra weight and drop of 2 megapixels. Even though the 5D still produces superb high quality images, the 1D matches it in good light and is able to go that extra mile at high ISO settings.